What is a DEC?

A DEC is a college-level diploma unique to Quebec. It is granted by the Ministry of Education when a student successfully completes all the requirements of a CEGEP program. DEC stands for diplôme d’études collégiales. Although the English equivalent is Diploma of College Studies, nearly everyone refers to it as a DEC.

Students educated in Quebec who wish to pursue university studies in Quebec must have a DEC. Students who have graduated with a three-year technical DEC (sometimes also referred to as a career program) can enter the workforce directly in their chosen field of study or continue on to university under certain conditions.

CEGEP is not only for Quebec residents. Out of province students wishing to study at Dawson must produce equivalent high school diplomas. Also, the student fee structure is not the same as for Quebec residents. Consult our student fees.

Program

The CEGEP system offers full-time students two options: three-year Career/Technical programs or two-year Pre-university programs. At Dawson, we offer Career programs that prepare you for an exciting career or open the door to further studies at the University level. Our Pre-University programs prepare you for university studies in any discipline that can lead to a rich and fulfilling career in any field.

Profile

A profile is a specific stream of a program. For example, Psychology is a profile of the Social Science program. Although you apply directly to a profile, your graduation diploma indicates the program you completed.

Discipline

Disciplines are subjects that you will study within your program. For example, a student enrolled in the Social Science program will take courses in different disciplines like Psychology, Economics, Geography and History. Please note that you cannot apply to a Discipline, you must apply to a program.

General Education

To graduate from Dawson, every student must complete the General Education requirements, which include courses in English, French, Humanities and Physical Education.

All students must take four English, three Humanities, two to five French and three Physical Education courses to meet the graduation requirements of the General Education portion of their college education. One or two complementary courses are also required for graduation. The number of French and complementary courses required will depend on your level of French. For more information visit our French department page: https://www.dawsoncollege.qc.ca/french/